🥘 Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
This Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe is a classic comfort meal with tender potatoes, smoky ham, and flavorful green beans simmered together in a savory broth. It’s simple, hearty, and tastes like a homemade country-style dinner.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
- Total Time: About 7 hours
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved (or Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed)
- 1½ pounds ham, cut into chunks (ham steak, leftover ham, or smoked ham hock)
- 1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed (or frozen green beans)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust depending on ham)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Additions
- 4 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Layer the Crockpot
Place ingredients in the slow cooker in this order:
- Potatoes on the bottom
- Green beans
- Ham pieces
- Onion and garlic
2. Add Seasoning and Broth
Sprinkle with:
- Smoked paprika
- Thyme
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Salt (if needed)
Add:
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Bay leaf
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 6–8 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
Cook until potatoes are fork-tender and flavors have blended.
4. Finish and Serve
- Remove bay leaf.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Cornbread
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Dinner rolls
- Side salad
- Coleslaw
- Pickled vegetables
Tips for the Best Flavor
- 🥔 Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture that holds together well.
- 🍖 Smoked ham or a ham hock adds the deepest flavor.
- 🫘 Fresh green beans give the best texture, but frozen works well too.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (potatoes may soften slightly after thawing).
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
Flavor Variations
🥓 Loaded Country Style: Add turkey bacon and a splash of cream for a richer version.
🌶️ Spicy Southern: Add crushed red pepper and smoked paprika.
🧀 Creamy Version: Stir in cream cheese and cheddar during the last 20 minutes for a cheesy twist.
This slow cooker classic is a cozy, budget-friendly meal that delivers smoky ham, buttery potatoes, and tender green beans in every comforting bite. 🍖🥔🫘